The Manifesto

The Treaties are nation to nation agreements between First Nations and the British Crown who are sovereign nations. The Treaties are agreements that cannot be altered or broken by one side of the two Nations. The spirit and intent of the Treaty agreements meant that First Nations peoples would share the land, but retain their inherent rights to lands and resources. Instead, First Nations have experienced a history of colonization which has resulted in outstanding land claims, lack of resources and unequal funding for services such as education and housing.

The state of Canada has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world by using the land and resources. Canadian mining, logging, oil and fishing companies are the most powerful in the world due to land and resources. Some of the poorest First Nations communities (such as Attawapiskat) have mines or other developments on their land but do not get a share of the profit. The taking of resources has left many lands and waters poisoned – the animals and plants are dying in many areas in Canada. We cannot live without the land and water. We have laws older than this colonial government about how to live with the land.

Currently, this government is trying to pass many laws so that reserve lands can also be bought and sold by big companies to get profit from resources. They are promising to share this time…Why would these promises be different from past promises? We will be left with nothing but poisoned water, land and air. This is an attempt to take away sovereignty and the inherent right to land and resources from First Nations peoples.

There are many examples of other countries moving towards sustainability, and we must demand sustainable development as well. We believe in healthy, just, equitable and sustainable communities and have a vision and plan of how to build them.

Please join us in creating this vision.

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Phil L. commented
2015-08-07 13:07:39 -0700

the trick is not to try to take the land back but to keep the knowledge to know how to survive on it once the world collapses under its burdensome weight. Use the best technologies for simple life. master the best farming and animal care for small sustainable groups. that is how ancestors lived for years and that is how our children will live again. time will tell…..

tyler turpin followed this page
2015-07-01 19:28:11 -0700

Kitsilano J Sterritt commented
2015-01-13 09:20:38 -0800

Indian land is the solution to all social problems but only under full Indian ownership

Kitsilano J Sterritt commented
2015-01-13 09:20:38 -0800

Indian land is the solution to all social problems but only under full Indian ownership

Sruthi Vuppala commented
2015-01-13 01:33:26 -0800

The manifesto itself takes up just a few pages, I have asked several local politicians and of course our MP questions regarding the manifesto, only to realise from their answers that they have never read it. Why ? Engels and Marx charge the reader with their philosophy deemed applicable to Germany, France and England in the early 1800’s. To the uninitiated, It is just that, a philosophy doomed to the annuls of history. Perhaps the ‘uninitiated’ should read the manifesto with one eye on what’s happening in Britain today.

Brett Wettlaufer commented
2014-10-25 18:13:41 -0700

Are land claims by the Métis nation recognized by Idle No More? Is Idle No More inclusive of Métis peoples in it’s goals?

Kitsilano J Sterritt commented
2014-05-18 07:36:39 -0700

Our Family denies legitimacy to Canada until they “Recognize + Affirm” our everlasting title

We intend to establish our right to control Borders against “Babylon” the Beast.

details follow

Haa! Ho!

Fed Uup Chick commented
2014-05-17 23:22:27 -0700

The treaties have been broken. It’s time to take take it all back.

Thomas Gelinas commented
2014-04-06 13:40:34 -0700

Canada hasn’t given enough. Money is a constant fight, we owe more.

Bill Hartman commented
2014-03-07 07:52:48 -0800

The time is now.. Our race .. Human.. One spirit, one voice.. Greed is the cancer infecting all mankind.. these corporations pass laws to serve only themselves and rely on the average person to do nothing.. We as a collective conscious owe it to ourselves and future generations to stand up an protect the just against the tyrannical invasion of Corporate America." In wildness is the preservation of the world.. so seek the wolf inside you". Educate yourself and your children. before the balance is tipped.. if it’s not to late already.

Bill Elliott commented
2014-02-21 23:49:54 -0800

I don`t think it matters what color you are, We are all related. I`m white, I`m also a sundancer (Lakota version) I live next door to some people who`s families have been here a few generations longer than mine have, (they are not sundancers, they have long houses, …well actually some do both) They came from some where else too, long ago..so long ago no one really knows…just like my family. We all share the same land, ( I like to call it earth) and we all care about how it`s taken care of for our children. We have enough common sense too see what is happening here, the history is long and very plain. Colonialism isn`t about race, it doesn`t matter what color your skin is when you are on land that I want because I need more money, all that matters is that I have the power to take your land, use it and pollute it for my profit. We all know that people can`t eat money…especially when it`s in some one else`s hands. It`s time to find a better way of living with each other, and with our home.

Spencer Mann followed this page
2014-01-16 09:44:51 -0800

Philip Neves commented
2014-01-14 19:24:39 -0800

I’m not native. But I want to give my opinion on this. We in this country have a problem. The majority of people in this country don’t vote. The reason is for the same reason why natives have gotten short changed throughout the history of this country. And maybe its time for a change. See I believe that government should represent everyone. We should all be considered equal under it and have equal rights. And politicians should be held to the same laws that every one in this country must follow. I don’t think that this is happening in this country. I don’t think its ever happened and that to me makes me sad.

We have a system where we go to the polls and elect the next dictator for our country. That dictator is allowed to go unchallenged for 5 years at which point we are allowed to go back to the polls and either vote in another dictator or keep the same one we have. I believe that politicians should be forced to not only gain support of the majority, they should be forced to keep it at all times. That would fix a majority of the problems we have with our government. It would ensure that everyone is treated equally. The problem is the politicians won’t adhere to such rules without it being forced on them. They don’t want anyone to tell them what to do when they are elected. Least of all your average everyday citizen. And there lies the problem. The only way to fix this is bring in full binding referendum and recall legislation. Limit their power. Embed that in the constitution and make sure it can never be changed.

The system we live under is designed to breed corruption. We’ve seen examples of it from time to time. It doesn’t matter if its a Liberal government, a conservative government or even an NDP government. They all want to be at the public trough and they are all evil in their own way. Its this outdated system we live in that is creating this problem. A system that’s been twisted to favour the rich and those who seek power. And yes the rich for sure don’t want to change it. They benefit from it the most.

So what do we do? We have to band together in solidarity. Both Native and Non-Native. We need to find a way to change the system. Or build a new system. Build one with the controls that we need so that the people of this country don’t get rail roaded again.

James Williams commented
2013-12-31 10:35:29 -0800

First nations across the Americas need such representation. But, positive grass roots from the heart with purpose guided action is where the new revolution will start. Keep going. Keep doing what you do best. Do not let the dream die. Hold the vision for a healthy, just, equitable, and sustainable world.

wayne fayant commented
2013-11-25 08:55:50 -0800

Who controls the levers of power?
The fact is all Canadians are under siege from big business. From the moment we leave Post-Secondary Institutions we are in servitude with debt. Governments (Corporation- elites) would like to see us (Canadian citizens and First Nations) divided and arguing against each other. They purposely do this to distract from what is really going on in this country which has been a pillaging of the public commons for their own personal wealth.
Gutting Environmental Regulations or undermining Treaty Rights are just a means to an ends for these Corporate entities.

Is Canada a corporate plutocracy?
“Plutocracy” defines a society or a system ruled and dominated by the small minority of the wealthiest citizens.

Canada’s richest 1 percent grabbed one-third of all income growth since 1987.
A study published last week shows that social inequality in Canada has now reached levels unseen since the 1920s.
I want to state what I believe is the main reason why we don’t have a democracy anymore. It’s because Big Business has established themselves as the policy makers in this country. We do not elect them. They are not accountable to us. However, they have the ear of probably at least 95% of our elected officials. They are, in effect, the puppet masters. Their involvement in Canadian politics (all levels of Canadian politics) is not all that transparent, although in some ways it is blatant. It’s hard to believe perhaps – and that is why their control has slipped by us. I will share what I have learned so far in order to get the ball rolling. It will hopefully help us start understanding why politicians do what they do; make decisions that benefit the filthy rich corporate players and undermine the rest of us, and especially the environment and the poor. And another question; why do politicians these days come from and return to the business world instead of the legal world or wherever they used to come from? Once you start thinking about it, the government’s strict adherence to right-wing corporate ideology, which is totally un-patriotic, only makes sense in light of the fact that they and the business elite are one and the same.

There is a group in Canada called the BCNI: Business Council on National Issues (Now renamed CCCE). I think most of us don’t know about this group; I only recently found out about them. Here are some main points (all quotes are taken from Tony Clarke’s 1997 book, Silent Coup):
-The BCNI was formed in April, 1977, by Canada’s top business leaders (lead by W.O. Taits, CEO of Imperial Oil and Alf Powis, CEO of Noranda Mines) to act as a streamlined, effective business lobby with the purpose of essentially wresting power away from the government in favour of a free-market system in which corporations would no longer be held in check. Its contempory in the US was the Business Round Table, out to accomplish the same goals.

That system is scheduled to complete its purpose as the global indigenous movement develops the people’s hearts and minds. it is treachery to advocate any relationship with the Aryan, white Supremecist Party now attempting to complete the capitailist culture world wide.

Land, hands and love, not money, weapons and death.

Nic Rae commented
2013-11-08 09:51:35 -0800

I half agree with Just my 2Cents and Wayne, the people who are the leaders of the communities should be more responsible in how they are managing or mismanaging the money given by the government. I think the government does owe all Aboriginal people for the past wrong doings but at the same time Aboriginal people NEED to stop using the government as a scapegoat for their own problems. If a leader in your community is proved to be corrupt then work towards replacing them with someone better, if the children are hungry and ill educated then that is where money needs to be. Teach young girls that their bodies are sacred and that they don’t need to be having babies with boys who won’t help them, rather encourage the young people to have self respect, respect for each other and to go to school so that when they choose to have children their children can have a healthy and opportunistic future. The government can be used as a method of us as a people to HELPOURSELVES! We are a great nation still, maybe the majority are lost and misguided but if we focus on developing healthy lifestyles and good solid education systems there is no limit what we can achieve. We just need to stop blaming other nations and other races for the problems we are facing NOW. Yes we were broken and abused before but that cannot be changed, what can be changed is how we progress and move forward with our lives and with our communities. There should be no more division between various Aboriginal groups, at the very basis of it all we are all humans, we are all part of mother earth and as a unified nation we can protect her, we can protect our families, and we can protect our future. First thing that needs to be done is people MUSTOPENTHEIREYES!!! We need leaders who will have the entire community in their focus, not just the wallets of a small few. Education for the children and protection of their basic needs; food, shelter, safe family environments, clothing to keep them warm and proper healthcare. Do that and the future will improve because the more we give our children the more they will have to work with to help the future of the nation, our nation of great and powerful Aboriginal ways. We had much honour before lets start by reviving that so that as we move forward we can carry our heads high and walk with conviction and pride in our hearts knowing that we are DESERVING of a good life.

I hope I didn’t offend anyone, my opinion is my own and I alone cannot change much, if we want change to happen we need to work together, the voices of one may drown out in the back but the voices of many will be heard, even stronger are our collective actions, I’m saddened by the events that ended in violence, police corruption or a few who responded badly to the heightened emotions of the moment. Lets work to keep our protests peaceful, have trusted individuals record events so that if the police do try to corrupt our actions then we will not be portrayed as violent, the last thing we need is the media undermining our efforts with reports of violence and chaos. We must keep our image a strong and impenetrable one, violence will cause other races to fear us and if we are to make our movement work we must include as many people other than Aboriginals as we can because their strength can be helpful in achieving our goals. You get a bunch of middle-class white people at a peaceful protest you can bet your a** they won’t be shooting tasters into the crowds, or macing crowds of immigrants walking among the masses of Aboriginal people. We all know the games the police and governments play, now its our turn to come back with one hell of a defence!!!

wayne fayant commented
2013-10-20 19:50:00 -0700

Just my 2Cents is a good example of how far we have to go. We can never reset the brainwashing mindset ingrained in the general population. But we can do our best to make sure future generations can see a different perspective. Have trust in the fact that people will seek the truth. The world is waking up to the wealthy elites who profit from Multinational Corporations exploting the world over. I hope Just my 2Cents realizes that he/she and all Canadians, North Americans and The World population, are all in the same boat.

Just-my 2Cents commented
2013-10-18 12:26:50 -0700

If Native communities wish to have Sovereign right over their land, maybe it’s time to stop taking handouts from the Canadian government. Millions and millions of Canadian tax dollars go to First Nation communities. Now a lot of countries do borrow money from other countries, but the key word here is “borrow” with an intent to pay it back. What is taking millions of dollars doing for your communities but causing dependance and greed? What do you seriously hope to achieve in 10 years? In 20 years? To have squeezed the last cent out of the Canadian people and have literally nothing to show for it? This may sound abrupt but it is the truth. I do agree that Natives do hold the right to have a say in what happens to their lands but why distance yourselves from Canada in general? Do we really need another Quebec referendum? Its possible to have your cake and eat it too, in this case. I’m all for preserving nature and the lands which make Canada – well, Canada. So as long as we can keep this peaceful – which the world is already skeptic about – then great. This post was mostly directed to the many corrupt and incompetent leaders of First Nation communities. I don’t blame the communities or the people themselves for a second. There is hope though.

R A commented
2013-10-09 11:45:56 -0700

Ryley, first of all, I am métis.

Second, do you know the definition of independent? you cannot have sovereignty if you rely on government handouts. Many First Nations communities complain that they don’t get as much money as other communities for school.. But wait, I thought these were independent nations? A nation that does not provide all basic necessities cannot claim to have sovereignty over their land. Thus the term failed state.

Where do you think this money comes from? It’s not free.

Ryley Metzler commented
2013-10-09 11:14:34 -0700

in regards to Wr B’s comment, the first nations peoples have the right to sovereignty over THEIR land. who are you to judge them. that is their land and they own it! and yes the gov’t does steal the first nation peoples lands. and who are you to judge them on if there going to fail or succeed as an independent state. they dont think they are of higher authority so stop assuming please!

all they want is their rights to land and the gov’t to stop screwing them over.

you should really be ashamed with yourself and the Canadian gov’t for treating our first nations, inuit and metis populations with disrespect and prejudice.

R A commented
2013-10-08 01:38:21 -0700

a) Is idle no more contesting the ownership of the land? The right to be self-governing? To be independant? By claiming that the Government is attempting to take away your “soverignity”, you are claiming that you are the highest authority, and that they are trying to steal that from you. If you are in fact the highest authority, and you were to claim yourselves as an independent state, you would be a failed one.

b) Are you (INM) upset you are not receiving money, or that you feel the government is doing this behind your back? Keep in mind the treaties only offer you the right to be consulted. Clearly you are not exercising, nor do you have the right to soverignity over these lands.

christie lionelle commented
2013-10-01 20:24:30 -0700

The land and oceans cannot be taken away from the ones who were given guardianship of them, it is now the time to stand together to stop the destruction of the land and ocean, the Pacific Ocean is calling for help, stop worrying about blood money and have the faith to regain what was lost. Be the human being that those in need already know we are.

James Pierce commented
2013-09-28 21:19:01 -0700

How can a first nations community be an independent nation state, whilst still being entirely dependent on the Gov. of Canada for funding? Is it realistic to have First Nations groups exist independent within Canada as a plethora of micro-states? Would it not be better for all parties for the Native Peoples become full and equal members of Canadian society? And why has INM put its support behind Theresa Spence, who is at best incompetent, at worst, corrupt and criminal?

Still yet to here answers to these questions. Until I do, INM and most every other FN movement has only my skepticism.

Kris Coulombe commented
2013-09-06 09:43:59 -0700

The Manifesto states such as obvious, logical and legitimate position. If you don’t see this, you are trying not to, for whatever reason. Jealousy, and the “What’s in it for me?” Way of thinking prevent others from seeing the truth that has to be. I am Metis, and I will gain nothing if First Nations settle the claims, etc. But I support INM with all my spirit and being because it is right for my brothers and sisters, and for all their relations before them and to come.

Jeremy Gauthier commented
2013-07-15 16:36:46 -0700

When I see a deed of property from g*d I will walk away, but until then we must share, respect the common, and steward for the future.